The Mount Holly Project

M A Y 2 0 2 0 • By Arthur Einstein

Lewisboro Land Trust Acquires Three Major Preserves

Good news in difficult times: The Lewisboro Land Trust (LLT) and The Nature Conservancy (the Conservancy) have announced an agreement that transfers three long-time popular Lewisboro nature preserves to Lewisboro Land Trust ownership. “This is a welcome and significant transaction for Lewisboro and for us,” said Bobbe Stultz, co-chair of LLT.

“These properties were originally acquired by the Conservancy for protection back in the 1960s and ‘70s to ensure that they would remain in their natural state rather than be subdivided for development. Now they’re coming home to be owned and managed locally.”

Transfer of the preserves, known as the Indian Brook Assemblage, includes the Mildred Grierson Preserve, Marian Yarrow Preserve and Mount Holly Preserve. The land transfer was accompanied by grants from the Conservancy for the stewardship of the parcels.

“The Nature Conservancy considers opportunities to transfer preserves to local conservation partners when it benefits the long-term management of the preserve, aligns with the goals of the partner, and meets the Conservancy’s strategic goals,” said Matt Levy, Lands Protection Manager. “We are pleased that such an opportunity developed for the three preserves that comprise the Indian Brook Assemblage. We are happy to know that these preserves will be well cared for by their new stewards at the Lewisboro Land Trust.”

A grassroots effort, started by Maureen Maguire, a local neighbor and project committee chair for LLT, built awareness and raised enough funds from a supportive and generous community to establish an endowment which will sustain the maintenance of these preserves indefinitely. One local resident, who is a Trustee of The Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust, gave a substantial opening grant to match contributions made to the fundraising effort. Many neighbors have also come forward to volunteer their time in labor equity. “The outpouring of support continues to be tremendous and shows us that there are many people who are excited to continue to use the preserves safely every day of the year and to contribute their time and resources,” said Ms. Maguire.

In addition, the Land Trust joined with the Bedford Audubon Society who will hold a conservation easement on the parcels, preserving them as open space in perpetuity. LLT and Bedford Audubon have co-sponsored events for many years and are delighted to make their partnership more formal.

These preserves contain some of Lewisboro’s most spectacular natural features and are open to hikers year-round. Hardwood forests, lakes, streams, old growth trees, wildflowers and wildlife, all contribute to the unique character of Lewisboro.

The acquisition of these preserves fits LLT's mission of linking people to the land. Work teams work throughout the year to clear and mark trails, remove debris, and make parking more accessible.

A “Remove & Restore” Projexct was begun in 2021 to remove invasives, particularly barberry, from the preserve and replace it with native plants, trees, and flowers. This program has already removed about 50% of the barberry infestation, along with euonymus. garlic mustard, mugwort, and others. We have seen an amazing regrowth of ferns, wild geranium, mayapple, and other native species.

For more information, please contact the Land Trust at info@lewisborolandtrust.org.